AfterDawn: News

Chilean government: All phones must be unlocked

Government regulators in Chile have mandated that all phones sold in the country must be unlocked.

Having an unlocked phone means the device can be used on any GSM carrier and not be locked down. The rule is now in effect but will become mandatory on January 16th.



Even if you purchased your phone before the new law, the government will make available a new website to help you unlock your device. Add your device info and IMEI number and the site will send you an unlock code.

Chile is now the third country to have such a law. Singapore and Israel have both banned locked handsets.

Hopefully this will be a trend that catches on around the world.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 5 Jan 2012 13:17

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• 8 comments

• LordRuss

  Oh my... Do I feel a presence in the force of democracy/freedom not sensed since...
  
  What the hell is that...? Take back the what...?
  

  http://onlyinrussellsworld.blogspot.com

  5.1.2012 14:13 #1

• Hyasuma

  that's a big hint for you USA

  5.1.2012 15:27 #2

• nbfreak2

  Would be nice if it spreads to the US.
  

  5.1.2012 16:44 #3

• Mysttic

  It'd be nice if this spread through all of North America, not just US. Funny how 3rd world country governments appear to listen to their people more than 1st world countries. They edge closer to democracy while we get preached it but lean towards a more dictated censorship.

  5.1.2012 17:32 #4

• 3MUK

  Well in Australia, all phones that are locked to are specific network can be unlocked at your request for free.
  

  Always remember youre unique, just like everyone else.

  5.1.2012 20:42 #5

• salsa36

  Chile! Chile!

  13.1.2012 08:48 #6

• Dr_Shifty

  Originally posted by 3MUK: Well in Australia, all phones that are locked to are specific network can be unlocked at your request for free. Not all for free, I'm afraid. The carriers have an unlock fee that varies between carrier and sometimes decreases with the age of the phone. Some will unlock if you load a prepaid phone with the amount of the fee. Some will unlock for free under certain circumstances. For instance, Telstra unlocks iPhones for free on request but not all brands.
  

  15.1.2012 02:58 #7

• xboxdvl2

  Originally posted by 3MUK: Well in Australia, all phones that are locked to are specific network can be unlocked at your request for free. i live in australia and i had a phone which i was told by optus could be unlocked for free after 3months.i took the phone back 3months later and asked that it be unlocked they said they'd have to send it away and there would be a postage and handling fee,also an insurance fee incase anything happened to the phone but the unlocking itself is free.the fees all up were about $70,3 streets away is a phone repair shop that will unlock any phone for $50.
  

  R.I.P. mr 1990 ford falcon.got myself a 1993 toyota corolla seems to run good.computers still going good.

  15.1.2012 11:09 #8